Iowa: what's on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Every candidate below is listed alphabetically, with party shown as text only. Open a name for their stated positions, background and recent news, each with sources.
Open Iowa on the mapKey dates
- In-person absentee (early) voting: October 14, 2026 to November 2, 2026. Early voting is at county auditor's offices, and some counties have extra sites. Hours vary by county.
- Voter pre-registration deadline: October 19, 2026. The deadline is 5:00 p.m. You can also register at early voting or at your polling place on Election Day if you show proof of identity and residence.
- Last day to request a mail absentee ballot: October 19, 2026. Your county auditor must receive the request by 5:00 p.m. Mailed ballots must be received by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
- Election Day: November 3, 2026. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Official election information: vote.gov
Who's running
Only the U.S. Senate and governor races are loaded so far. Other statewide offices, ballot measures, U.S. House and local races aren't loaded yet. Check your sample ballot for the full list.
United States Senator
This is a six-year term. The seat is open because incumbent Republican Joni Ernst is not running for re-election.
- Ashley Hinson Republican · Open seat
Ashley Hinson is a Republican U.S. Representative from northeast Iowa and a former local television news reporter. She is the Republican nominee for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat,… - Thomas Laehn Libertarian · Open seat
- Josh Turek Democratic · Open seat
Josh Turek is a Democratic state representative from Council Bluffs who has served in the Iowa House since January 2023 and won two Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair basketball…
Governor and Lieutenant Governor
This is a four-year term. The seat is open because Governor Kim Reynolds is not running. Each candidate for governor runs on a joint ticket with a lieutenant governor: Zach Lahn with Derek Wulf (Republican), and Rob Sand with Dave Muhlbauer (Democratic).
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